“In that case,” Rek said, with a conspiratorial grin that reminded me of his youthful self, “be ready for my message.”
CHAPTER9
“You told them about the cave.” Navid’s words sounded accusing, but they didn’t hold any heat.
The royals had left, but the two of us still lingered in the courtyard.
“I had to,” I said, refusing to feel guilty. “It was bad enough when it was just the thieves, but now there’s treachery involved…I couldn’t delay it. This might be the only way to catch them.”
Navid sighed. “Yes, you’re right, of course. And I don’t regret…”
He let the words trail away, but I gave him a knowing look.
“You don’t regret a chance to spend more time with the royals, lover boy?”
He flushed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. But, of course, I’ll make the most of any potential royal connections I can build. The association could prove invaluable for my new business.”
I frowned. “About that…”
He nodded. “I know. For now, at least, we need to keep the whole thing very quiet. Do you think anyone saw them coming in here?”
“We can only hope not. I assume your parents can be trusted not to say anything—especially with what’s currently hidden in this house. What about Agnes, though? Not that she seems like a chatty one.”
Navid laughed. “Not at all. I can’t remember the last time I saw her talking to anyone outside the family without an air of great suspicion. She doesn’t even trust the baker who she’s visited every day of my life to buy our bread.”
Now that Rek and Adara were gone, the whole situation seemed less straightforward than it had when we were together.
“I’m not sure what I’m going to do when Rek sends his message. I should have thought of it straight away, but—how am I going to explain my need to suddenly dash off to Nyla? Can you imagine how she’ll react if I attempt to mysteriously disappear without warning?”
Navid grimaced. “All too well.”
“I suppose I should be going back now.” I sighed. “If I’m going to have to disappear at some point, I shouldn’t antagonize Nyla now. Given your parents’ ruse about having guests, she’ll know your father didn’t go woodcutting today.”
Navid gave me a sympathetic look. “Are you sure you don’t at least want to stay for a meal?”
“I’d better not.”
I turned toward the gate, but the sound of my name made me turn back. Agnes shuffled out of the house, a bright spark in her eyes and something in her hands.
“Here you are.” She held out the scales. “Mariam is finished with them and says to return them with her gratitude.”
I took them, but my focus remained on her face. Had she been the one watching from the windows? She certainly looked excited. I didn’t think she could have heard our words, but even so, a visit from the prince and princess was a momentous happening. Could she really be trusted to keep the events of the morning quiet?
Navid noticed my lingering interest and understood at once.
“You don’t need to be concerned about Agnes. She’s as loyal as they come.”
Agnes drew herself up. “I’ll have you know I was loyal before either of you took your first breath. The cheek!”
I bobbed my head in respect. “Many apologies, Agnes. I never intended to doubt your loyalty.”
Her eyes narrowed, and she shook her head. “You young people,” she muttered. “All the same.” Turning, she hurried back into the house.
I turned a concerned eye on Navid. “Is she offended? Should I go and talk to her? I didn’t mean to—”
His chuckle made me go silent. “You don’t need to worry about Agnes. She’s been bemoaning the shocking behavior ofyoung peoplesince before we were born as well. It’s one of her greatest joys in life.”
I grinned. “Your mother is lucky to have her.”